arow setup for brown bears?

[jrchambers]

i will be shooting a super shrew 58 at 28 drawn to 30.5, currently I shoot a full length ad trad, standard insert with a 175 head I have the ability to up the tip weight by 75 grains, I just seem to shoot better with the lighter setup.
I usualy use 3 blades, ive killed some blackies hogs and deer with razor caps. I began using woodsman extremes this year and killed 2 hogs and 1 buck all but one passthrough
 

the one concern is that neither of the hogs or any bears ive shot with them left good blood trails.  the bears did die quick.  the hogs made it 50 yards with the quarter away and 80 yards with a little high passthrough.
I absolutely do not want to be walking grids looking for a brownie. I want all the penetration but more blood on the ground.
any and all ideas would be welcome,  looking at simmons maybe don't know how well a 1 9/16 concave head will pop a rib on a 1k critter

[ishoot4thrills]

I'm definitely ignorant when it comes to hunting/shooting bears of any kind so don't put a lot of faith in my advice.

But, going by things I have read, I'm sure you have enough bow for the job. So, as far as arrows go, if it were me going to Alaska to hunt big bears, I would use an arrow weighing about 11 to 13 grains per pound of draw weight and a high quality two-blade head.

Oh yeah, and I would want to get close, REAL close. But, I would most definitely want someone with a BIG rifle close by to back my @$$ up in case browney decided he might know where that sting came from! (I realize I would legally have to have a guide with a back-up rifle if I were to ever be fortunate enough to travel to Alaska to hunt big bear but I don't know about Alaska residents having to do the same)

[jrchambers]

I am not required back up, I will be set up no closer than 18 or so, pretty wary animal.

[WESTBROOK]

You should be drawing 64-65# at your DL, go up to a 1.25" VPA 250g 3 blade, that would give you a 660g arrow. This would be a minimum for me, I would like enough whoop a$$ to go through 2 bears.

I'll never forget Monte Browning telling about his Brown Bear, standing in a shallow stream...shot it a 9 steps, his guide was standing next to him with a rifle crapping his pants, "never been that close to a live bear I guess".

Eric

[Stickbow]

I have been on several bow shot brown bears. In my opinion penetration is not generally an issue.

 A good size hole through the hair is. Personally I would shoot 3 blade or 2 blade with bleeders, 60 lbs and up, 550 grains and up, shots 25 yards and under. Extra shorts dont hurt either.    :D

[jrchambers]

thanks stick bow, that's what im thinking,

[wasapt]

Stick bow has it dead on... Shot my 10' brown bear in AK this past august

[Charlie Lamb]

I like Stickbow's advice. Depends are also a good choice as you can bury them on the spot.

[T-Bowhunter]

Extra shorts dont hurt either. [Big Grin]

Stickbow that is funny!  

         

[jrchambers]

seriously looking a big simmons, man those leave some holes

[jrchambers]

wasapt what head were you using and how long did it take for blood to show on the ground

[Friend]

Will be looking forward to reading of your adventure.

[beachbowhunter]

Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
I like Stickbow's advice. Depends are also a good choice as you can bury them on the spot.

Check your regulations first though, on National Forrest you probably have to pack them out.   :D

[Stickbow]

Originally posted by Friend:
Will be looking forward to reading of your adventure.

X2

[Chromebuck]

Jason,

The Simmons look like wicked heads, especially with bleeder, but I have heard some concern that they may be considered barbed therefore potentially illegal.  You can contact Larry Lewis at ADF&G on K-Beach with a picture to get a definative answer.


~CB

[jrchambers]

I was worried about that but I think that rule might be gone now il have to look into it

[SAVIOUR68]

Jason if you want a 2 blade wide cut look at the Centuar heads,they are build like a tank compared to a Simmons IMO and I have both and the Centuars are on all my arrows now and they are priced very good with either single or double bevel blades.

[jrchambers]

holy crap why havnt I looked at centuars before,
they will be in the finals

[Greg Dearth]

Looking forward to hearing how your hunt turns out. A Brown Bear is on my list of to do's. Good luck and keep us posted. I use a magnus II with bleeders. I am sure it would do the job.

[Charlie Lamb]

I personally wouldn't worry about blood trails or the lack there of. Razor sharp whatever your choice of broadhead and precision shot placement.

A Magnus II w/small bleeder, or Stinger 4 blade would be all the broadhead you'll need. Each comes in enough weight variations to meet your tuning needs and provide short, ample blood  trails, multiple blades and yet not so big as to impede penetration.

Both heads are nearly identical to the broadhead used by Fred Bear on his adventures and he knew a little about what it takes on big dangerous game.